Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a first substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a source line extending in a second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrode extending in the second direction, and a first alignment film covering the pixel electrode. A second substrate includes a common electrode having a pair of main common electrodes arranged on both sides sandwiching the main pixel electrode and a second alignment film covering the common electrode. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first alignment film and the second alignment film and includes liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal layer is formed of materials having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules are initially aligned substantially in parallel with the first direction when electric field is not impressed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/763,888filed Feb. 11, 2013, and is based upon and claims the benefit ofpriority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-075083 filedMar. 28, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid crystaldisplay device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a flat panel display is developed briskly. Especially,the liquid crystal display device gets a lot of attention fromadvantages, such as light weight, thin shape, and low power consumption.In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device equipped with aswitching element in each pixel, structures using lateral electricfield, such as IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode and FFS (Fringe FieldSwitching) mode, attract attention. The liquid crystal display deviceusing the lateral electric field mode is equipped with pixel electrodesand a common electrode formed in an array substrate, respectively.Liquid crystal molecules are switched by the lateral electric fieldsubstantially in parallel with the principal surface of the arraysubstrate.

On the other hand, another technique is also proposed, in which theliquid crystal molecules are switched using the lateral electric fieldor an oblique electric field between the pixel electrode formed in thearray substrate and the common electrode formed in a counter substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute aportion of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and together with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a figure schematically showing a structure and the equivalentcircuit of a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a plan view schematically showing a structure of one pixelwhen a display panel shown in FIG. 1 is seen from a counter substrateside according to a first embodiment.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are views showing alignment treatment directions.

FIGS. 2D and 2E are views showing polarizing axis directions ofpolarization plates.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure ofthe liquid crystal display panel taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are views showing electric field between a pixelelectrode and a common electrode, and a relationship between a directorand a transmissivity of liquid crystal molecules by the electric fieldin the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing an alignment state of liquidcrystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer at the time ON according tothe embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the alignment state of liquidcrystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer at the time ON according toa comparison example.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of one pixelwhen the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is seen from the countersubstrate side according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of an arraysubstrate according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of the countersubstrate according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein the same or like reference numeralsdesignate the same or corresponding portions throughout the severalviews.

According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes: afirst substrate including; a gate line and an auxiliary capacitance linerespectively extending in a first direction, a source line extending ina second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, aswitching element electrically connected with the gate line and thesource line, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrodeelectrically connected with the switching element and extending in thesecond direction in the shape of a belt, a first alignment film coveringthe pixel electrode, and a second substrate including; a commonelectrode having a pair of main common electrodes arranged on both sidessandwiching the main pixel electrode and extending in the seconddirection, a second alignment film covering the common electrode, and aliquid crystal layer held between the first alignment film and thesecond alignment film and including liquid crystal molecules; whereinthe liquid crystal layer is formed of materials having negativedielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules areinitially aligned substantially in parallel with the first directionwhen electric field is not impressed between the pixel electrode and thecommon electrode.

According to other embodiment, a liquid crystal display deviceconstituted by a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix includes: afirst substrate including; a first gate line and a second gate linerespectively extending in a first direction, an auxiliary capacitanceline extending in the first direction at a substantially center portionbetween the first gate line and the second gate line, a first sourceline and a second source line extending in a second directionorthogonally crossing the first direction, a switching elementelectrically connected with the first gate line and the first sourceline, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrode electricallyconnected with the switching element and extending in the seconddirection in the shape of a belt between the first source line and thesecond source line, and a sub-pixel electrode arranged on the auxiliarycapacitance line and connected with the main pixel electrode, thesub-pixel electrode extending in the first direction between the firstsource line and the second source line, a first alignment film coveringthe pixel electrode, and a second substrate including; a commonelectrode having a pair of main common electrodes arranged on the firstand second source lines on both sides sandwiching the main pixelelectrode and extending in the second direction, a second alignment filmcovering the common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held betweenthe first alignment film and the second alignment film and includingliquid crystal molecules; wherein the liquid crystal layer is formed ofmaterials having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquidcrystal molecules are initially aligned substantially in parallel withthe first direction when electric field is not impressed between thepixel electrode and the common electrode.

FIG. 1 is a figure schematically showing a structure and the equivalentcircuit of the liquid crystal display device according to oneembodiment.

The liquid crystal display device includes an active-matrix type liquidcrystal display panel LPN. The liquid crystal display panel LPN isequipped with an array substrate AR as a first substrate, a countersubstrates CT as a second substrate arranged opposing the arraysubstrate AR, and a liquid crystal layer held between the arraysubstrate AR and the counter substrate CT. The liquid crystal displaypanel LPN includes an active area ACT which displays images. The activearea ACT is constituted by a plurality of pixels PX arranged in theshape of a (m×n) matrix (here, “m” and “n” are positive integers).

The liquid crystal display panel LPN is equipped with “n” gate lines G(G1-Gn), “n” auxiliary capacitance lines C (C1-Cn), “m” source lines S(S1-Sm), etc., in the active area ACT. The gate line G and the auxiliarycapacitance line C extend in a first direction X, respectively. The gateline G and the auxiliary capacitance line C are arranged in turns alonga second direction Y that orthogonally intersects the first direction X.The source lines S cross the gate line G and the capacitance line C. Thesource lines S extend linearly in the second direction Y, respectively.The gate line G, the auxiliary capacitance line C and the source lines Sdo not necessarily extend linearly, and a portion thereof may be crookedpartially.

Each gate line G is pulled out to outside of the active area ACT, andconnected to a gate driver GD. Each source line S is pulled out to theoutside of the active area ACT and connected to a source driver SD. Atleast a portion of the gate driver GD and the source driver SD is formedin the array substrate AR, for example, and connected with the driver ICchip 2 provided in the array substrate AR and having an implementedcontroller.

Each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, acommon electrode CE, etc. Retention capacitance Cs is formed, forexample, between the auxiliary capacitance line C and the pixelelectrode PE. The auxiliary capacitance line C is electrically connectedwith a voltage impressing portion VCS to which an auxiliary capacitancevoltage is impressed.

In addition, in the liquid crystal display panel LPN according to thisembodiment, while the pixel electrode PE is formed in the arraysubstrate AR, at least one portion of the common electrode CE is formedin the counter substrate CT. Liquid crystal molecules of the liquidcrystal layer LQ are switched mainly using an electric field formedbetween the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The electricfield formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CEis an oblique electric field slightly oblique with respect to theprinciple surfaces of the array substrate AR and the counter substrateCT.

The switching element SW is constituted by an n channel type thin filmtransistor (TFT), for example. The switching element SW is electricallyconnected with the gate line G and the source line S. The (mxn)switching elements SW are formed in the active area ACT. The switchingelement SW may be either a top-gate type or a bottom-gate type. Thoughthe semiconductor layer is formed of poly-silicon, the semiconductorlayer may be formed of amorphous silicon.

The pixel electrode PE is arranged in each pixel and electricallyconnected with the switching element SW. The common electrode CE isarranged in common to the plurality of pixel electrodes PE through theliquid crystal layer LQ. Though the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE are formed by light transmissive conductive materials, suchas Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), etc., other metalssuch as aluminum may be used.

The array substrate AR includes an electric power supply portion VSformed outside of the active area ACT for impressing a voltage to thecommon electrode CE. Furthermore, the common electrode CE is drawn tooutside of the active area ACT and electrically connected with anelectric power supply portion VS formed in the array substrate ARthrough an electric conductive component which is not illustrated.

FIG. 2A is a plan view schematically showing the structure of one pixelwhen the liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment isseen from the counter substrate side. Herein, a plan view in a X-Y planespecified in the first direction X and the second direction Y is shown.

The gate line G1, the gate line G2, and the auxiliary capacitance lineC1 extend along the first direction X, respectively. The source line S1and source line S2 extend along the second direction Y, respectively.The auxiliary capacitance line C1 is located substantially in the middlebetween the gate line G1 and the gate line G2. That is, the distancebetween the gate line G1 and the auxiliary capacitance line C1 in thesecond direction Y is substantially the same as the distance between thegate line G2 and the auxiliary capacitance line C1 in the seconddirection Y.

In this embodiment, the pixel PX corresponds to a square formed of thegate line G1, the gate line G2, the source line S1, and the source lineS2 and has a shape of a rectangle whose length in the second direction Yis longer than that in the first direction X, as shown by a dashed linein the figure. The length of the pixel PX in the first direction Xcorresponds to a pitch in the first direction X between the source lineS1 and the source line S2, and the length in the second direction Y ofthe pixel PX corresponds to the pitch in the second direction Y betweenthe gate line G1 and the gate line G2. The pixel electrode PE isarranged between adjoining the source line S1 and source line S2.Moreover, the pixel electrode PE is located between the gate line G1 andthe gate line G2.

In this embodiment, the source line S1 is arranged at the left-hand sideend in the pixel PX. Precisely, the source line S1 is arranged stridingover a boundary between the illustrated pixel and a pixel PX adjoiningthe illustrated pixel PX on the left-hand side. The source line S2 isarranged at the right-hand side end. Precisely, the source line S2 isarranged striding over a boundary between the illustrated pixel and apixel PX adjoining the illustrated pixel PX on the right-hand side.Moreover, in the pixel PX, the gate line G1 is arranged at an upper endportion. Precisely, the gate line G1 is arranged striding over aboundary between the illustrated pixel and a pixel which adjoins theillustrated pixel PX on its upper end side. The gate line G2 is arrangedat a lower end portion. Precisely, the gate line G2 is arranged stridingover a boundary between the illustrated pixel and a pixel which adjoinsthe illustrated pixel PX on its lower end side. The auxiliarycapacitance line C1 is arranged approximately in a central portion ofthe pixel PX.

The switching element SW is electrically connected with the gate line G1and the source line S1 in the illustrated example. Namely, the switchingelement SW is formed in an intersection of the gate line G1 with thesource line S1. A drain line extends along the source line S1 and theauxiliary capacitance line C1, and is electrically connected with thepixel electrode PE through a contact hole CH formed in a region whichoverlaps with the auxiliary capacitance line C1. The switching elementSW is formed in a region which overlaps with the source line S1 and theauxiliary capacitance line C1 and hardly runs off the overlapped region.Thereby, reduction of the area of an aperture portion which contributesto a display is suppressed when the switching element SW is formed inthe pixel PX.

The pixel electrode PE is equipped with a main pixel electrode PA and asub-pixel electrodes PB. The main pixel electrodes PA and the sub-pixelelectrode PB are formed integrally or continuously, and electricallyconnected mutually. In addition, although only the pixel electrode PEarranged in one PX is illustrated in the figure, the pixel electrode ofthe same form is arranged in other pixels which are not illustrated.

The main pixel electrode PA extends along the second direction Y betweenthe source line S1 and the source line S2, and is formed in the shape ofa belt having a predetermined width along the first direction X. Themain pixel electrode PA is located approximately in the center betweenthe source line S1 and the source line S2. That is, the distance betweenthe source line S1 and the main pixel electrode PA in the firstdirection X is substantially the same as the distance between the sourceline S2 and the main pixel electrode PA in the first direction X.

The sub-pixel electrode PB is formed in the shape of a belt extendingalong the first direction X between the source line S1 and the sourceline S2. In this embodiment, the sub-pixel electrode PB crosses the mainpixel electrode PA in the intermediate portion thereof in the seconddirection Y. The sub-pixel electrode PB linearly extends toward thesource line S1 and the source line S2, respectively, from theintersection portion of the main pixel electrode PA. That is, the pixelelectrode PE shown here is formed in the shape of a cross.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the sub-pixel electrode PB is locatedabove the auxiliary capacitance line C1. That is, the whole sub-pixelelectrode PB is located in a region which overlaps with the auxiliarycapacitance line C1. The sub-pixel electrode PB is electricallyconnected with the switching element SW through a contact hole CH.

The common electrode CE is equipped with a main common electrode CA. Themain common electrode CA linearly extends along the second direction Yin parallel to the main pixel electrode PA on both sides which sandwichthe main pixel electrode PA in the X-Y plane. The main common electrodeCA is formed in the shape of a belt having the same width in the firstdirection X.

In this embodiment, the main common electrode CA is arranged in twolines in parallel along the first direction X. Hereinafter, in order todistinguish the two lines, the main common electrode CA on the left-handside in the figure is called CAL, and the main common electrode on theright-hand side in the figure is called CAR. Precisely, the main commonelectrode CAL is arranged striding over a boundary between theillustrated pixel and a pixel which adjoins the illustrated pixel PX onthe left-hand side. The main common electrode CAR is arranged at theright-hand side end. Precisely, the main common electrode CAR isarranged striding over a boundary between the illustrated pixel and apixel which adjoins the illustrated pixel PX on the right-hand side. Themain common electrode CAL counters with the source line S1, and the maincommon electrode CAR counters with the source line S2. The main commonelectrode CAL and the main common electrode CAR are electricallyconnected in the active area or outside of the active area.

If its attention is paid to the positional relationship between thepixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE in the X-Y plane, themain pixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CA are arranged byturns along the first direction X. That is, one main pixel electrode PAis arranged between the adjoining main common electrode CAL and maincommon electrode CAR. The main pixel electrode PA is locatedsubstantially in the center between main common electrode CAL and maincommon electrode CAR. Namely, the distances between the main commonelectrode CAL and the main pixel electrode PA, and between the maincommon electrode CAR and the main pixel electrode PA are substantiallythe same in the first direction X.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure ofthe liquid crystal display panel taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2A.In addition, only the portion required for explanation is illustratedhere.

A backlight 4 is arranged on the back side of the array substrate AR inthe illustrated example. Various types of backlights can be used. Forexample, a light emitting diode (LED) and a cold cathode fluorescentlamp (CCFL), etc., can be applied as a light source of the backlight 4,and the explanation about its detailed structure is omitted.

The array substrate AR is formed using a first insulating substrate 10which has a transmissive characteristics. The source line S is formed ona first interlayer insulating film 11 and covered with a secondinterlayer insulating film 12. In addition, the gate line and theauxiliary capacitance line which are not illustrated are arrangedbetween the first insulating substrate 10 and the first interlayerinsulating film 11, for example. The pixel electrode PE is formed on thesecond interlayer insulating film 12. The pixel electrode PE is locatedinside of the pixel rather than the position on the respective adjoiningsource lines S. A first alignment film AL1 is arranged on the arraysubstrate AR facing the counter substrate CT, and extends to wholeactive area ACT. The first alignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrodePE, etc., and is also arranged on the second insulating layer 12. Thefirst alignment film AL1 is formed of the material which shows ahorizontal alignment characteristics.

The counter substrate CT is formed using a second insulating substrate20 which has a transmissive characteristics. The counter substrate CTincludes a black matrix BM, a color filter CF, an overcoat layer OC, thecommon electrode CE, and a second alignment film AL2, etc.

The black matrix BM is formed on the second insulating substrate 20defining each pixel PX, and forms an aperture portion AP facing thepixel electrode PE. That is, the black matrix BM is arranged so thatline portions, such as the source line S, the gate line G, the auxiliarycapacitance line C1, and the switching element SW, may counter the blackmatrix BM. Herein, though only a portion of the black matrix BMextending along the second direction Y is shown, the black matrix BM mayinclude a portion extending along the first direction X. The blackmatrix BM is formed on an internal surface 20A of the second insulatingsubstrate 20 facing the array substrate AR.

The color filter CF is arranged corresponding to each pixel PX. That is,while the color filter CF is arranged in the aperture portion AP in theinternal surface 20A of the second insulating substrate 20, a portionthereof runs on the black matrix BM. The colors of the color filters CFarranged in the adjoining pixels PX differ mutually in the firstdirection X. For example, the color filters CF are formed of resinmaterials colored by three primary colors of red, blue, and green,respectively. The red color filter CFR formed of resin material coloredin red is arranged corresponding to the red pixel. The blue color filterCFB formed of resin material colored in blue is arranged correspondingto the blue pixel. The green color filter CFG formed of resin materialcolored in green is arranged corresponding to the green pixel. Theboundary between the adjoining color filters CF is located in a positionwhich overlaps with the black matrix BM. The overcoat layer OC coversthe color filter CF. The overcoat layer OC eases influence ofconcave-convex of the surface of the color filter CF. The overcoat layerOC is formed of transparent material.

The common electrode CE is formed on the overcoat layer OC facing thearray substrate AR. The main common electrode CA is located above thesource line S. The second alignment film AL2 is arranged on the countersubstrate CT facing the array substrate AR, and extends to whole activearea ACT. The second alignment film AL2 covers the common electrode CE,the overcoat layer OC, etc. The second alignment film AL2 is formed ofmaterials which show horizontal alignment characteristics.

An alignment treatment (for example, rubbing processing or lightalignment processing) is performed to the first alignment film AL1 andthe second alignment film AL2 to initially align the molecules of theliquid crystal layer LQ. A first alignment treatment direction PD1 inwhich the first alignment film AL1 initially aligns the molecules is inparallel with a second alignment treatment direction PD2 in which thesecond alignment film AL2 initially aligns the molecules. For example,in FIG. 2B, the first alignment treatment direction PD1 and the secondalignment treatment direction PD2 are in parallel with the firstdirection X and are the same directions each other. In FIG. 2C, thefirst alignment treatment direction PD1 and the second alignmenttreatment direction PD2 are in parallel with the first direction X andare the opposite directions each other.

The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT as mentioned-aboveare arranged so that the first alignment film AL1 and the secondalignment film AL2 face each other. In this case, a pillar-shaped spaceris formed integrally with one of the substrates by resin materialbetween the first alignment film AL1 on the array substrate AR and thesecond alignment film AL2 on the counter substrate CT. Thereby, apredetermined gap, for example, a 2-7 μm cell gap, is formed. The arraysubstrate AR and the counter substrate CT are pasted together by sealmaterial SB arranged outside the active area ACT, while thepredetermined cell gap is formed.

The liquid crystal layer LQ is held at the cell gap formed between thearray substrate AR and the counter substrate CT and arranged between thefirst alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. The liquidcrystal layer LQ contains the liquid crystal molecule which is notillustrated. The liquid crystal layer LQ is constituted by liquidcrystal materials having negative dielectric anisotropy (negative type).

A first optical element OD1 is attached on an external surface 10B ofthe array substrate AR, i.e., the external surface of the firstinsulating substrate 10 which constitutes the array substrate AR, byadhesives, etc. The first optical element OD1 is located on a side whichcounters with the backlight 4 of the liquid crystal display panel LPN,and controls the polarization state of the incident light which entersinto the liquid crystal display panel LPN from the backlight 4. Thefirst optical element OD1 includes a first polarization plate PL1 havinga first polarizing axis (or first absorption axis) AX1. In addition,other optical elements such as the retardation film may be arrangedbetween the first polarization plate PL1 and the first insulatingsubstrate 10.

A second optical element OD2 is attached on an external surface 20B ofthe counter substrate CT, i.e., the external surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20 which constitutes the counter substrate CT, byadhesives, etc. The second optical element OD2 is located on a displaysurface side of the liquid crystal display panel LPN, and controls thepolarization state of emitted light from the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN. The second optical element OD2 includes a second polarizationplate PL2 having a second polarizing axis (or second absorption axis)AX2. In addition, other optical elements such as a retardation film maybe arranged between the second polarization plate PL2 and the secondinsulating substrate 20.

The first polarizing axis AX1 of the first polarizing plate PL1 and thesecond polarizing axis AX2 of the second polarization plate PL2 arearranged in the positional relationship of Cross Nicol. In this state,one polarization plate is arranged so that the polarizing axis becomesin parallel with or orthogonally crosses the initial alignment directionof the liquid crystal molecules. In FIG. 2D, the first polarizationplate PL1 is arranged so that the first polarizing axis AX1 becomes inparallel with the first direction X, and the second polarization platePL2 is arranged so that the second polarizing axis AX2 orthogonallycrosses the first direction X. In FIG. 2E, the first polarization platePL1 is arranged so that the first polarizing axis AX1 orthogonallycrosses the first direction X, and the second polarization plate PL1 isarranged so that the second polarizing axis AX2 becomes in parallel withthe first direction X.

The operation of the liquid crystal display panel LPN of theabove-mentioned structure is explained referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C,2D, 2E and 3.

At the time of non-electric field state, i.e., when a potentialdifference (i.e., electric field) is not formed between the pixelelectrode PE and the common electrode CE, the liquid crystal moleculesLM of the liquid crystal layer LQ are aligned so that their long axesare aligned in a parallel direction with the first alignment directionPD1 of the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment directionPD2 of the second alignment film AL2. In this state, the time of OFFcorresponds to the initial alignment state, and the alignment directionof the liquid crystal molecule LM corresponds to the initial alignmentdirection.

In addition, precisely, the liquid crystal molecules LM are notexclusively aligned in parallel with a X-Y plane, but are pre-tilted inmany cases. For this reason, the precise direction of the initialalignment is a direction in which an orthogonal projection of thealignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule LM at the time of OFFis carried out to the X-Y plane. However, in order to explain simplyhereinafter, the liquid crystal molecule LM is assumed that the liquidcrystal molecule LM is aligned in parallel with the X-Y plane, and isexplained as what rotates in a field in parallel with the X-Y plane.

Here, both of the first alignment treatment direction PD1 of the firstalignment film AL1 and the second alignment treatment direction PD2 ofthe second alignment film AL2 are directions in parallel to the firstdirection X. At the time of OFF, the long axis of the liquid crystalmolecule LM is aligned substantially in parallel to the first directionX as shown with the dashed line in FIG. 2A. That is, the direction ofthe initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecule LM is in parallelto the first direction X, or makes an angle of 0° with respect to thefirst direction X.

When the respective first alignment treatment direction PD1 and secondalignment treatment direction PD2 are in parallel and the samedirections each other, the liquid crystal molecule LM is aligned withapproximately horizontal direction (i.e., the pre tilt angle isapproximately zero) in a cross-section of the liquid crystal layer LQ inthe intermediate portion of the liquid crystal layer LQ. The liquidcrystal molecule LM is aligned with the pre-tilt angle so that thealignment of the liquid crystal molecule LM near the first alignmentfilm AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 becomes symmetrical withrespect to the intermediate portion of the liquid crystal layer LQ(splay alignment). Thus, in the splay alignment state, the display isoptically compensated even in an inclining direction from the normalline of the substrate by the liquid crystal molecules LM near the firstalignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. Therefore, whenthe respective first alignment treatment direction PD1 and secondalignment treatment direction PD2 are in parallel and the samedirections each other, there are few optical leaks in a black display.Accordingly, a high contrast ratio can be realized, and it becomespossible to improve display grace.

In addition, when both of the first and second alignment treatmentdirections PD1 and PD2 are in parallel, and are opposite directions eachother, the liquid crystal molecule LM is aligned so that the liquidcrystal molecule LM is aligned with an approximately uniform pre-tiltangle near the first and second alignment films AL1 and AL2 and in theintermediate portion of the liquid crystal layer LQ (homogeneousalignment).

A portion of the light from the backlight 4 penetrates the firstpolarizing plate PL1, and enters into the liquid crystal display panelLPN. The entered light to the liquid crystal display panel LPN islineally polarized light orthogonally crossing the first polarizing axisAX1 of the first polarization plate PL1. The lineally polarized state ofthe entered light does not change with the alignment state of the liquidcrystal molecule LM when the light passes the liquid crystal layer LQ atthe time OFF. Therefore, the lineally polarized light which penetratesthe liquid crystal display panel LPN is absorbed by the secondpolarization plate PL2 arranged in a Cross Nicol state (black display).

On the other hand, in case potential difference (or electric field) isformed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, i.e.,at the time of ON, the lateral electric field (or oblique electricfield) is formed in parallel with the substrates between the pixelelectrode PE and the common electrode CE. The liquid crystal molecule LMis affected by the electric field between the pixel electrode PE and thecommon electrode CE, and the long axis rotates in parallel with the X-Yplane as shown in a solid line in the figure. According to thisembodiment, the liquid crystal layer LQ has a negative dielectricconstant anisotropy, and aligns in a direction so that the long axiscrosses the electric field.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, in a region between the pixelelectrode PE and the main common electrode CAL, the liquid crystalmolecule LM in the lower half region rotates clockwise to the firstdirection X, and aligns so that it may turn to the lower right in thefigure. The liquid crystal molecule LM in the upper half region rotatescounterclockwise to the first direction X, and aligns so that it mayturn to the upper right in the figure. On the other hand, in the regionbetween the main pixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CAR,the liquid crystal molecule LM in the lower half region rotatescounterclockwise to the first direction X, and aligns so that it mayturn to the lower left in the figure. The liquid crystal molecule LM inthe upper half region rotates clockwise to the first direction X, andaligns so that it may turn to the upper left in the figure.

Thus, in each pixel PX, in case electric field is formed between thepixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, the alignment directionof the liquid crystal molecule LM is divided into a plurality ofdirections by the position which overlaps with the pixel electrode PEand the common electrode CE, and domains are formed in each alignmentdirection. That is, a plurality of domains is formed in one pixel PX.

At the time of ON, the linearly polarized light orthogonally crossingthe first polarizing axis AX1 of the first polarization plate PL1 entersin the liquid crystal panel LPN, and the polarization state of the lightchanges in accordance with the alignment state of the liquid crystalmolecule LM when passing the liquid crystal layer LQ. At the time of ON,at least a portion of the light which passes the liquid crystal layer LQpenetrates the second polarization plate PL2 (white display).

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are views showing electric field between the pixelelectrode PE and the common electrode CE, and a relationship between adirector and a transmissivity of the liquid crystal molecule LM by theelectric field in the liquid crystal display panel LPN shown in FIG. 2A.FIG. 4A is a view schematically showing a transmissivity distribution inone pixel PX. FIG. 4B is a plan view of one pixel schematically showingan alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 4C is across-sectional view showing the pixel taken along line B-B in FIG. 4B.

In the OFF state, the liquid crystal molecule LM is aligned in adirection in parallel to the first direction X. In the ON state in whichpotential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and thecommon electrode CE, in case the director (or the direction of the longaxis) of the liquid crystal molecule LM shifts by approximately 45° withrespect to the first polarizing axis (or absorption axis) AX1 of thefirst polarization plate PL1 and the second polarizing axis (orabsorption axis) AX2 of the second polarization plate PL2, an opticalmodulation rate of the liquid crystal molecules becomes the highest.That is, the transmissivity becomes the highest in the aperture portion.

In the illustrated example, peak transmissivity is obtained in the pixelin the ON state when the director of the liquid crystal molecule LM inthe upper half region between the main common electrode CAL and thepixel electrode PE becomes a direction substantially in parallel to adirection of 45° to 225°, and the director of the liquid crystalmolecule LM in a lower half region between the main common electrode CALand the pixel electrode PE becomes a direction substantially in parallelto a direction of 135° to 315°, further when the director of the liquidcrystal molecule LM in a lower half region between the main commonelectrode CAR and the pixel electrode PE becomes a directionsubstantially in parallel to a direction of 45° to 225°, and thedirector of the liquid crystal molecule LM in an upper half regionbetween the main common electrode CAR and the pixel electrode PE becomesa direction substantially in parallel to a direction of 135° to 315°,within the X-Y plane by the electric field between the pixel electrodePE and the common electrode CE. In addition, the transmissivity in theaperture portion becomes smallest when the director of the liquidcrystal molecule LM becomes substantially in parallel with a directionof 0° to 180° or a direction of 90° to 270° in the X-Y plane.

That is, when the rotation angle is 45° within the X-Y plane of theliquid crystal molecule LM, the largest transmissivity is obtained, andeven if it is when the rotation angle is smaller than 45° or larger than45°, the transmissivity falls. The rotational angle depends on thestrength of the electric field. Therefore, when a driving voltage (whitevoltage) by which the rotation angle of the liquid crystal molecule LMbecomes 45° is impressed, the maximum luminosity is obtained in thepixel PX. When larger or smaller driving voltage than the white voltageis impressed, the luminosity of the pixel PX is less than the maximumluminosity.

In the ON state, if its attention is paid to a transmissivitydistribution in each pixel, the liquid crystal molecule LM hardlyrotates from the initial alignment direction on the pixel electrode PEand the common electrode CE. That is, the director of the liquid crystalmolecule LM becomes substantially in parallel with the direction of 0°to 180°. For this reason, while the transmissivity becomes the minimum(substantially zero) on the electrodes, high transmissivity is obtainedin the electrode gap between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE over the whole gap.

Furthermore, even at the time of ON, since the lateral electric field ishardly formed (or sufficient electric field to drive the liquid crystalmolecule LM is not formed) on the pixel electrode PE or the commonelectrode CE, the liquid crystal molecule LM hardly moves from theinitial alignment direction like at the time of OFF. For this reason, asmentioned-above, even if the pixel electrode PE and the common electrodeCE are formed of the electric conductive material with the lighttransmissive characteristics in these domains, the backlight hardlypenetrates, and hardly contributes to the display at the time of ON.Therefore, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are notnecessarily needed to be formed of a transparent electric conductivematerial, and may be formed using non-transparent electric conductivematerials, such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu).

Moreover, since high transmissivity is obtained in the electrode gapbetween the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE according tothis embodiment, it becomes possible to correspond by expanding theinter-electrode distance between the pixel electrode PE and the maincommon electrodes CAL and CAR in order to make transmissivity of eachpixel high enough. Moreover, in the product specifications in which thepixel pitch differs each other, it becomes possible to use the peakcondition of the transmissivity distribution as shown in FIG. 4A bychanging the inter-electrode distance, i.e., by changing the location ofthe main common electrode with respect to the main pixel electrodearranged substantially in the center of the pixel PX. That is, in thedisplay mode according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to supplythe display device having various pixel pitches by setting upinter-electrode distance between the main pixel electrode and maincommon electrode corresponding to the product specification from lowresolution with a comparatively large pixel pitch to high resolutionwith a comparatively small pixel pitch without necessarily usingmicroscopic processing. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize thedemand for high transmissivity and high resolution easily.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, if its attention is paid to thetransmissivity distribution in the region which overlaps with the blackmatrix BM, the transmissivity fully falls. This is because the leak ofelectric field does not occur outside of the pixel from the commonelectrode CE, and undesired lateral electric field is not producedbetween the adjoining pixels on the both sides of the black matrix BM.That is, it is because the liquid crystal molecule of the region whichoverlaps with the black matrix BM maintains the state of the initialalignment like at the OFF time (or the time of the black display).Therefore, even if it is a case where the colors of the color filterdiffer between the adjoining pixels, it becomes possible to control thegenerating of mixed colors, and also becomes possible to control thefall of color reproducibility and the contrast ratio.

Moreover, when an assembling shift occurs between the array substrate ARand the counter substrate CT, a difference in distances may arisesbetween the respective common electrodes CE of the both sides and thepixel electrode PE along the first direction X. However, since thealignment shift is produced in common to all the pixels PX, there is nodifference in the electric field distribution between the pixels PX, andthe influence to the display of the image is negligible. Even if theassembling shift arises between the array substrate AR and the countersubstrate CT, it becomes possible to control the undesirable electricfield leak to the adjoining pixels. For this reason, even if it is acase where the color of the color filter differs between the adjoiningpixels, it becomes possible to control generating of mixed colors, andalso becomes possible to realize more genuine color reproducibilitynature.

In this embodiment, the main common electrode CAR and the main commonelectrode CAL counter with the source lines S, respectively. In the casethe main common electrode CAL and the main common electrode CAR arearranged above the source line S1 and the source line S2, respectively,the aperture portion AP which contributes to the display can be expandedas compared with the case where the main common electrode CAL and themain common electrode CAR are arranged on the main pixel electrode PAside rather than above the source line S1 and the source line S2, and itbecomes possible to improve the transmissivity of the pixel PX.

Moreover, it becomes possible to expand the distances between the pixelelectrode PE and the second main common electrode CAL, and between thepixel electrode PE and the second main common electrode CAR by arrangingeach of the main common electrodes CAL and the main common electrode CARabove the source line S1 and the source line S2, respectively, and alsobecomes possible to form more horizontal electric field closer to thehorizontal direction. For this reason, it becomes possible also tomaintain the wide viewing angle which is advantages of the general IPSmode.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to form aplurality of domains in each pixel. For this reason, a viewing angle canbe optically compensated in a plurality of directions, and wide viewingangle is attained.

Moreover, since the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystallayer LQ is negative according to this embodiment, at the time of ON,the liquid crystal layer LQ rotates in the X-Y plane so that the longaxis aligns in a direction which perpendicularly intersects with theelectric field. Although the main electric field for driving the liquidcrystal molecule LM is an oblique electric field formed between thepixel electrode PE on the array substrate AR and the common electrode CEon the counter substrate CT, in the liquid crystal layer LQ at the timeof ON, the liquid crystal molecule LM aligns so that the long axis mayorthogonally cross the electric field. Therefore, the liquid crystalmolecule LM aligns in parallel to the principal surface of thesubstrates between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT.

FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing the alignment state of liquidcrystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer at the time ON accordingto the embodiment.

The long axis of the liquid crystal molecule LM at the time of ONorthogonally crosses the electric field in the normal line direction ofthe figure. The liquid crystal molecule LM located near the firstalignment film AL1, the second alignment film AL2, and in theintermediate portion of the liquid crystal molecule LQ are respectivelyarranged in parallel to the substrate surface.

For this reason, in a first transmissive region T1 shown with the dashedline in the figure, even if the first transmissive region T1 is observedfrom any directions, uniform display grace is obtained. Moreover,substantially the same display grace can be obtained also in both of thefirst transmissive region T1 and a second transmissive region T2. Thatis, if there were a difference in area between the first transmissiveregion T1 and the second transmissive region T2, it is possible toobtain uniform display grace even if the pixel is observed from anydirections.

FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the alignment state of liquidcrystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer at the time ON accordingto a comparison example.

In the illustrated comparative example, the liquid crystal layer LQhaving positive dielectric constant anisotropy is used. The liquidcrystal molecule LM at the time of ON is aligned so that the long axisbecomes in a parallel with the oblique electric field formed between thepixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. That is, in the liquidcrystal layer LQ at the time of ON, the liquid crystal molecule LM is ina tilted state to the substrate principal surface.

For this reason, in a third transmissive region T3 shown with the dashedline in the figure, a difference in the display grace arises between thecase where the pixel PX is seen from the left-hand side, and the casewhere the pixel PX is seen from the right-hand side in the figure.Similarly, also in a fourth transmissive region T4, a difference in thedisplay grace arises depending on an observation direction. Also in thecase of the illustrated example, the third transmissive region T3 andthe fourth transmissive region T4 optically compensate each other, andachieve the viewing angle characteristic equivalent to the example shownin FIG. 5. For this reason, when there is a difference in an areabetween the third transmissive region T3 and the fourth transmissiveregion T4 within one pixel PX, the optical compensation becomesimperfect. Accordingly, it is difficult to acquire a uniform viewingangle characteristic.

The difference in the areas of the transmissive regions may be resultedby an assembling shift between the array substrate AR and the countersubstrate CT. In the case of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6, ifthe difference in the areas of the transmissive regions arises in onepixel, it may result in a bad influence to the display grace, especiallythe viewing angle characteristic. On the other hand, in this embodimentshown in FIG. 5, even if the difference in the areas of the transmissiveregions arises in one pixel, it becomes possible to reduce the badinfluence to the display grace.

It is also possible to provide a region for compensating the assemblingshift in one pixel taking advantage of this embodiment. Theconstructional example is explained below.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of one pixelwhen the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is seen from the countersubstrate side according to a second embodiment. In addition, only theportion required for explanation is illustrated here.

In this embodiment, comparing with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2,the distance H1 between the main pixel electrode PA and the source lineS1 (or main common electrode CAL) in the first direction X is smallerthan the distance H2 between the main pixel electrode PA and the sourceline S2 (or main common electrode CAR) in the first direction X. Thatis, the main pixel electrode PA is arranged between the source line S1and the source line S2 so that the main pixel electrode PA is arrangedcloser to the source line S1 side rather than the source line S2 side.Therefore, the area of the first transmissive region T1 formed betweenthe main pixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CAL is smallerthan the area of the second transmissive region T2 formed between themain pixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CAR.

In this embodiment, a region which mainly contributes to display is setto the second transmissive region T2 having larger area, and a regionfor compensating the assembling shift is set to the first transmissiveregion T1 having smaller area. That is, the distance H2 between the mainpixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CAR is set as anoptimum inter-electrode distance, and a white voltage corresponding tothe distance H2 is set up. Therefore, when the white voltage isimpressed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, anoptimum voltage is impressed to the liquid crystal layer LQ of thesecond transmissive region T2, and the rotation angle of the liquidcrystal molecule LM within the X-Y plane becomes about 45°.Consequently, the highest transmissivity is obtained. On the other hand,too large voltage is impressed to the liquid crystal layer LQ of thefirst transmissive region T1, and the rotation angle of the liquidcrystal molecule LM becomes larger than 45°. That is, the transmissivityof the first transmissive region T1 becomes lower than that of thesecond transmissive region T2. However, since the rate of the area ofthe first transmissive region T1 in one pixel is small, the influence ofthe transmissivity fall is also small in the first transmissive regionT1.

Here, the case where the position of the common electrode CE shifts tothe right-hand side in the figure arises with respect to the position ofthe pixel electrode PE by the assembling shift is reviewed. In thiscase, as compared with the case where the assembling shift does notarise, the distance H1 reduces more, and the distance H2 expands more.That is, although the area of the first transmissive region T1 becomessmaller than the case where the assembling shift does not arise, and thesecond transmissive region T2 becomes larger than the case where theassembling shift does not arise.

When the white voltage is impressed between the pixel electrode PE andthe common electrode CE, since the voltage impressed to the liquidcrystal layer LQ of the second transmissive region T2 becomesinsufficient voltage level than the optimum voltage and the rotationangle of the liquid crystal molecule LM becomes smaller than 45°, thetransmissivity becomes lower than the maximum transmissivity. However,since the area of the second transmissive region T2 is expanded,substantially the same luminosity is obtained as the case where theassembling shift does not arise when being seen in one pixel unit. Inaddition, although the transmissivity of the first transmissive regionT1 has tendency to fall further than the case where the assembling shiftdoes not arise, since the rate of the area of the first transmissiveregion T1 in one pixel becomes much smaller, the influence of thetransmissivity fall in the first transmissive region T1 is small.

Next, the case where the position of the common electrode CE shifts tothe left-hand side in the figure with respect to the main pixelelectrode PE is reviewed. In this case, as compared with the case wherethe assembling shift does not arise, the distance H1 expands more, andthe distance H2 reduces more. That is, the area of the firsttransmissive region T1 becomes larger, and the area of the secondtransmissive region T2 becomes smaller than the case where theassembling shift does not arise.

When the white voltage is impressed between the pixel electrode PE andthe common electrode CE, the voltage impressed to the liquid crystallayer LQ of the second transmissive region T2 becomes too large ratherthan optimum voltage and the rotation angle of the liquid crystalmolecule LM becomes smaller than 45°. Accordingly, the transmissivitybecomes lower than the maximum transmissivity. On the other hand, sincethe voltage impressed to the liquid crystal layer LQ of the firsttransmissive region T1 closes to the optimum voltage comparing with thecase where the assembling shift does not arise, the rotation angle ofthe liquid crystal molecule LM of the first transmissive region T1closes to 45°. Accordingly, the transmissivity of the first transmissiveregion T1 rises than the case where the assembling shift does not arise.Therefore, substantially the same luminosity is obtained as the casewhere the assembling shift does not arise when being seen in one pixel.

Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to control thereduction of luminosity due to the assembling shift.

It is desirable that the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquidcrystal layer LQ applied to this embodiment is −10 or less. In addition,the dielectric constant anisotropy Δ∈ of the liquid crystal layer LQ isdefined as follows.Δ∈=(dielectric constant in the direction of the liquid crystal moleculelong axis)−(dielectric constant in the direction of the liquid crystalmolecule short axis)

The dielectric constant anisotropy can be considered as sensitivity tothe electric field impressed to the liquid crystal layer LQ. Larger theabsolute value of the dielectric constant anisotropy becomes, withsmaller electric field, the liquid crystal molecule LM can be driven.When the material having the dielectric constant anisotropy of −10 orless is applied, it becomes possible to drive the liquid crystalmolecule LM by the low voltage, even if the inter-electrode distancebetween the main pixel electrode PA and the main common electrode CA isexpanded.

Hereinafter, other embodiments are explained.

FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of the arraysubstrate according to a third embodiment. The array substrate AR may befurther equipped with a first shield electrode SE1. The first shieldelectrode SE1 is set to the same potential as that of the commonelectrode CE and extends along the first direction X. The first shieldelectrode SE1 is formed so that it may counter with each of the gatelines G extending in the first direction X. The first shield electrodeSE1 is covered with the first alignment film AL1. By providing the firstshield electrode SE1, it is possible to shield undesirable electricfield from the gate line G. For this reason, it becomes possible tocontrol degradation of the display grace.

In addition, the array substrate AR may be further equipped with asecond shield electrode SE2. The second shield electrode SE2 is set tothe same potential as that of the common electrode CE and extends alongthe second direction Y. The second shield electrode SE2 is formed sothat it may counter with each of the source lines S. The second shieldelectrode SE2 is covered with the first alignment film AL1. By providingthe second shield electrode SE2, it is possible to shield undesirableelectric field from the source line S. Therefore, it becomes possible tocontrol degradation of the display grace. The second shield electrodeSE2 is combinable with the first shield electrode SE1. In this case, thefirst shield electrode SE1 is formed integrally or continuously with thesecond shield electrode SE2, and the first shield electrode SE1 and thesecond shield electrode SE2 form a lattice shape. When applying thearray substrate AR equipped with the first shield electrode SE1 and thesecond shield electrode SE2, the pixel electrode PE is arranged on theinner side surrounded with the first shield electrode SE1 and the secondshield electrode SE2. In addition, in this embodiment, the structureshown in FIG. 7 in which the areas of the first transmissive region T1and the second transmissive region T2 are different each other may beused.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a structure of the countersubstrate according to a fourth embodiment. The counter substrate CT isfurther equipped with a sub-common electrode CB which constitutes thecommon electrode CE. That is, the common electrode CE is equipped withthe sub-common electrode CB formed integrally or continuously with themain common electrode CA above the gate line G in a belt shape andextending along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the countersubstrate CT is equipped with a sub-common electrode CBU arranged at theupper end of the pixel PX and a sub-common electrode CBB arranged at thebottom end of the pixel PX. The sub-common electrode CBU is locatedabove the gate wiring G1 facing the first shield electrode SE1, and thesub-common electrode CBB is located above the gate wiring G2 and facingthe first shield electrode SE1. When the counter substrate CT includingthe main common electrode CA and the sub-common electrode CB is applied,the pixel electrode PE is arranged inside surrounded with the commonelectrode CE in the lattice shape. The array substrate AR combinablewith the above common electrode CT is not limited to that shown in FIG.2 but may be that shown in FIG. 7.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible tosupply the liquid crystal display which can control degradation ofdisplay grace.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of embodiment only, and are not intended to limitthe scope of the inventions. In practice, the structural elements can bemodified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Variousembodiments can be made by properly combining the structural elementsdisclosed in the embodiments. For embodiment, some structural elementsmay be omitted from all the structural elements disclosed in theembodiments. Furthermore, the structural elements in differentembodiments may properly be combined. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: afirst substrate including: a gate line and an auxiliary capacitance linerespectively extending in a first direction, a source line extending ina second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, aswitching element electrically connected with the gate line and thesource line, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrodeelectrically connected with the switching element and extending in thesecond direction in the shape of a belt, a first alignment film coveringthe pixel electrode, and a second substrate facing the first substrateand including: a common electrode having a pair of main commonelectrodes arranged on both sides sandwiching the main pixel electrodeand extending in the second direction, a second alignment film arrangedfacing the first alignment film; and a liquid crystal layer held betweenthe first alignment film and the second alignment film and includingliquid crystal molecules; wherein the liquid crystal layer is formed ofmaterials having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquidcrystal molecules are initially aligned substantially in parallel withthe first direction.
 2. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 1, further comprising a first polarization plate arranged on anouter surface of the first substrate and including a first polarizingaxis and a second polarization plate arranged on an outer surface of thesecond substrate and including a second polarizing axis in a Cross Nicolpositional relation with the first polarizing axis, and the firstpolarizing axis of the first polarization plate is arranged in parallelwith or orthogonally crossing the initial alignment direction of theliquid crystal molecules.
 3. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 1, wherein the pixel electrode includes a sub-pixel electrodearranged on the auxiliary capacitance line, connected with the mainpixel electrode and extending in the first direction.
 4. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the first substrateincludes a first shield electrode arranged facing the gate line andcovered with the first alignment film and a second shield electrodearranged facing the source line and covered with the first alignmentfilm, and the first and second shield electrodes are set to the sameelectric potential.
 5. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 1, wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquidcrystal layer is −10 or less.
 6. A liquid crystal display deviceconstituted by a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, comprising: afirst substrate including: a first gate line and a second gate linerespectively extending in a first direction, an auxiliary capacitanceline extending in the first direction at a substantially center portionbetween the first gate line and the second gate line, a first sourceline and a second source line extending in a second directionorthogonally crossing the first direction, a switching elementelectrically connected with the first gate line and the first sourceline, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrode electricallyconnected with the switching element and extending in the seconddirection in the shape of a belt between the first source line and thesecond source line, and a sub-pixel electrode arranged on the auxiliarycapacitance line and connected with the main pixel electrode, thesub-pixel electrode extending in the first direction between the firstsource line and the second source line, a first alignment film coveringthe pixel electrode, and a second substrate arranged facing the firstsubstrate and including: a common electrode having a pair of main commonelectrodes arranged on both sides sandwiching the main pixel electrodeand extending in the second direction, a second alignment film arrangedfacing the first alignment film; and a liquid crystal layer held betweenthe first alignment film and the second alignment film and includingliquid crystal molecules; wherein the liquid crystal layer is formed ofmaterials having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquidcrystal molecules are initially aligned substantially in parallel withthe first direction.
 7. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 6, wherein the main pixel electrode is arranged substantially inthe center between the first source line and the second source line. 8.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 6, wherein thedistance between the main pixel electrode and the first source linealong the first direction is smaller than the distance between the mainpixel electrode and the second source line along the first direction. 9.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 8, wherein eachpixel includes a first transmissive region surrounded by the firstsource line, first and second gate lines and the main pixel electrode,and a second transmissive region surrounded by the second source line,first and second gate lines and the main pixel electrode, and the areaof the first transmissive region is smaller than that of the secondtransmissive region.
 10. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 9, wherein the first transmissive region is set to a region forcompensating an assembling shift between the first and secondsubstrates, and the second transmissive region is set to a region formainly contributing to display in the pixel.
 11. A liquid crystaldisplay device, comprising: a first substrate including: a gate line andan auxiliary capacitance line respectively extending in a firstdirection, a source line extending in a second direction orthogonallycrossing the first direction, a switching element electrically connectedwith the gate line and the source line, a pixel electrode including amain pixel electrode electrically connected with the switching elementand extending in the second direction in the shape of a belt, a firstalignment film covering the pixel electrode, and a second substratearranged facing the first substrate and including: a common electrodehaving a pair of main common electrodes arranged on both sidessandwiching the main pixel electrode and extending in the seconddirection, a second alignment film arranged facing the first alignmentfilm; and a liquid crystal layer held between the first alignment filmand the second alignment film and including liquid crystal molecules;wherein the liquid crystal layer is formed of materials having negativedielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules areinitially aligned substantially in parallel with the first direction,the liquid crystal display device further comprises a first polarizationplate arranged on an outer surface of the first substrate and includinga first polarizing axis and a second polarization plate arranged on anouter surface of the second substrate and including a second polarizingaxis in a Cross Nicol positional relation with the first polarizingaxis, and the first polarizing axis of the first polarization plate isarranged in parallel with or orthogonally crossing an initial alignmentdirection of the liquid crystal molecules, the pixel electrode includesa sub-pixel electrode connected with the main pixel electrode, arrangedon the auxiliary capacitance line and extending in the first direction,the first substrate includes a first shield electrode arranged facingthe gate line and covered with the first alignment film and a secondshield electrode arranged facing the source line and covered with thefirst alignment film, and the first and second shield electrodes are setto the same electric potential.